The Community News Flash

Jerry W. Porter

CEO/Publisher

POBox 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292

Cell: 662-643-6842

Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com

As 2023 begins, many of us find ourselves in hot pursuit of money, better health and wellness, only to find ourselves falling short of that which we pursue. Life is a struggle for those in pursuit of the ideal weight, and many other grand aspirations we somehow fail to obtain, simply because we cannot determine the meaning of “struggle.”

In the movie, The Pursuit of Happiness, single father Chris Gardner (Will Smith) was evicted from his apartment. He and his young son (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) find themselves alone; with no place to go.

In other words, he found himself in a struggle.

Even though Chris eventually lands a job as an intern at a prestigious brokerage firm, the position pays no money – a position many of us have found ourselves

in during life's struggles. The pair live in shelters and endure many hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to create a better life for himself and his son.

Like Chris Gardner in the movie, some are strengthened when faced with the struggles of life while others fold and give up. As I sat there watching the movie, I gleaned many lessons from the powerful message it conveyed. The movie made me think of the many struggles I've faced, and the resources from my inner strength, I used to overcome those struggles.

Ezra Taft Benson, American Farmer, government official, and religious leader, was once quoted as saying, “Some of the greatest battles will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.”

In this life, each of us has unique struggles – each battle is individual – and it is our test in this life to fight these battles until we overcome or give up and accept defeat. It is a choice we each must make.

When I sit and consider my lot in life, all that I can say is “thank you” because I had good mentors who pushed me to overcome some of the battles I faced. One of the greatest obstacles I faced was with math. Math was always a challenging subject until I ran upon good teachers who pushed me – one of which was a college teacher named Mr. Morgan.

Sitting in Mr. Morgan’s class taught me about more than getting an A+. He taught me one of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned. He told the class about the story of two frogs that fell into a bowl of milk.

Having swum around the bowl, both frogs realized the edge of the bowl was too high and steep for them to get out unaided. The first frog struggled. He soon realized it was useless to waste his energy. Continuing to swim would not get him out of the bowl; so, he gave up swimming and drowned. The second frog also struggled, but he persevered and refused to give in. Gradually, the milk turned into butter, until the frog was able to use it as a foothold to jump out of the bowl.

The moral of this little story teaches us that struggles will come, but miracles can happen if you don’t give up.

Here's a little thought to ponder as we set out to overcome the struggles of the new year. Ask yourself this question when you find yourself falling short of that which you set out to do: What should I do with these strug-

gles?

Your answer will determine whether you win or lose the battle you set out to win in 2023. Those who don’t give up and

persevere may be in for a pleasant surprise!

Whoo! Whoo! Until Next Time! All Aboard!

Notable Quote Monthly Meditation

Knowing others

JANUARY BIBLE TRIVIA

1. Which gospel does not mention the little children to Jesus? 2. Who advised young Christians to stop thinking like children? 3. Which gospel says that the child Jesus grew up strong? 4. What prophet advised people to tell their children about the locust plague? 5. Which epistle advises fathers not to exasperate their children? 6. What book says that a child raised up in the right way will never depart from it? 7. What priest was too indulgent toward his spoiled sons? 8. What prophet had dishonest sons who took bribes? 9. Which son was Isaac partial to? 10. What king grieved and wailed over his wayward son? 11. Who was Jacob's favorite son? 12. Who made a little coat for her son every year when she went to offer the annual sacrifice? 13. Which psalm says that children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior? 14. What book mentions how wonderful grandchildren are?

15. What prophet named his sons Maher-shalal-hash-baz and Shear-jashub?

16. According to the Law, what is the penalty for anyone who attacks his mother or father?

17. What prophet talks about children dishonoring their parents, so that a man's enemies are in his own household?

18. According to Deuteronomy, what must be done to a rebellious son who will not submit to discipline?

19. What judge of Israel had 40 sons and 30 grandsons?

20. What Old Testament man almost sacrificed his beloved son?

Send in your answers to the following Bible Trivia Questions and take a chance at winning a complimentary bible from the Community News Flash. Random drawing will be held monthly

1. Noah (Genesis 9:20-21)

2. Abel (Genesis 4:2)

3. Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-9)

4. Cain (Genesis 4:2)

5. Tubal-Cain (Genesis 4:22)

6. Cain (Genesis 4:17)

7. Jubal, inventor of the harp and organ (Genesis 4:21)

8. Jabal (Genesis 4:20)

9. Plowing (1 King 19:19)

10. Job 1:14

11. God (Genesis 2:8)

12. Gideon (Judges 6:11)

13. Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:9-10)

14. Noah (Genesis 9:20)

15. Boaz (Ruth 1:22 – 2:3)

16. Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson (2 Samuel 9:9-10)

17. Naboth (1 Kings 21:1-2)

18. Isaac (Genesis 26:12)

19. Joab (2 Samuel 14:30)

20. Solomon (Ecclesiastes 2:4-5)

Former calendar girl looks forward to college graduation and then medical school

By Lucy Weber

This year will be one to remember for Amarri LaKeia Harris.

The Corinth native will graduate from Delta State University in May and has her sights set ahead for medical school and her dream of becoming a doctor. With a major in biology, premedical sciences and a minor in chemistry, Harris, a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, said she can't wait to graduate.

"I plan to take a gap year after graduation to study for medical school. I want to travel and have fun with my family before I get too involved with medical school," she said. "In 10 years I will be 31 years old and finishing my journey of medical school to become a physician."

In May of 2004 and in October of 2005, Harris was a two-time calendar girl. The calendars were published by The Community Flash featuring cute babies and toddlers in the Corinth area

to raise money for a scholarship fund. The paper is reconnecting with the children featured in the calendars to share how those girls and boys became the accomplished young women and men they are today.

Harris' mother Valerie Harris nominated her for the honors. "My mom just wanted me to be featured in the calendars. I've seen them and it brought back so many memories," Harris said.

A2019 graduate of Biggersville High School, Harris enjoyed growing up in Corinth.

"I have lived my entire life in Corinth. I have so many memories of playing at the city park, being a part of gymnastics and joining so many community service organizations," she said. "This city has always been my home."

Harris said she has always tried to live her life by these wise words given to her: "I was always told to never be afraid to get outside your comfort zone. You can never grow there."

How to Maximize the Value and Timeliness of Your Tax Return

(StatePoint) Research shows that if you’re dreading tax season, you’re not alone.

According to the Pew Research Center, 47% of Americans say they are bothered a lot by the complexity of the federal tax system. Other taxpayers stress out over getting the details right. In a Credello survey, 22% of respondents say not maximizing their refund is their biggest fear around doing taxes, while another 22% said their biggest fear is making a mistake.

“Many Americans rely on their tax refund to make ends meet. Accessing those funds should be fast and easy,” says Chad Prashad, president and CEO of World Finance.

To help you get a handle on your taxes, World Finance is drawing on its 26 years of filing expertise to offer these timely tips:

• Get ready early. As soon as your employer provides your W2,

you can file your taxes. Having all other documentation and receipts ready to go will help expedite the process, which means you will get your tax return faster, too. Collect the necessary materials in one place before filing.

• Consider significant life changes. Did you move in 2022? Have a baby? Get married? Change jobs? Each of these monumental life events can have an impact on your taxes, so be sure to disclose these factors when filing or to the professional filing on your behalf.

• Know what’s new. Visit IRS.gov to learn about any changes to tax filings that are applicable to you. Atax services professional can also help you identify relevant updates. World Finance tax pros have year-round training to stay on top of the latest tax filing requirements and are ready to tailor tax services to each tax customer’s financial situation.

• Review and adjust. Once you know what your return is going to be this year, make any necessary adjustments to your W2 to make sure you’re withholding enough during the year. If this is your first year working with a professional tax service, have them review your previous years’filings as well. You may be able to recover additional refunds if anything was missed. World Finance offers this service for no additional charge.

• Consider a tax refund loan. After filing, you can potentially take out a loan for the amount of your expected refund. This is

known as a tax refund loan and an option to consider if you need your refund as soon as possible.

• Work with a professional. Filing your taxes with a software program is a low-cost option, but only if you have time to dedicate to the task, and the know-how to get your biggest possible tax return. Working with a reliable, trusted tax preparation service can help ensure your taxes are filed correctly, and your return is as substantial as it can be. Look for a service that offers transparent

pricing, flexible filing options and same-day Tax Advance Loans, such as World Finance. For more information, visit loansbyworld.com/taxes.

Tax season doesn’t need to create headaches, fears, or anxieties.

By gathering important tax documents in advance and understanding your filing and refund options, you can have confidence that you’ve maximized the value and timeliness of your tax return.

Amarri LaKeia Harris

Alcohol Abuse

Some of the results of studies on seniors have surprised me,but there’s a new one that’s a bit shocking. It concerns seniors and the use of alcohol.

In the past there has been much research that indicates that as we age, we drink less alcohol. That makes sense,because there are a lot of reasons not to drink. Maybe we can’t mix alcohol with prescriptions,or maybe our doctor said we shouldn’t drink. Or maybe we just didn’t like the effects and feared falling.

This new study,however,shows that there is a sub-group of seniors for whom alcohol use actually increases — and that is those seniors who already have problems with drinking.

Yes,there are fewer seniors who have problems with alcohol abuse when compared to other age groups. But seniors age 60 and older who have a dependence on alcohol drink a lot more than those who are younger (even those who are college-age).

Here are the numbers:Seniors who are dependent on alcohol average more than 40 alcoholic drinks per week. Younger drinkers have 25–35 drinks in that same time period.

Not only that,but seniors with alcohol problems tend to do more binge drinking. (They categorize a “binge” as four to five drinks per day for women and men.) Senior binge drinkers had approximately 19 binges per month,compared to 13 to 15 for the younger age groups. That’s a lot of alcohol.

Have seniors developed a tolerance over the years,and therefore need to drink more to get the same results? The study suggests this might be the case.

Still,that amount of alcohol is dangerous. If you have a problem with alcohol and want to quit,get help for it. Sudden alcohol withdrawal can cause life-threatening medical symptoms.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions,but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible.

Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service,P.O. Box 536475, Orlando,FL 32853-6475,or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.

Breathing Tips for COPD

DEAR DR. DONOHUE:I remember reading something you wrote a long time ago about the proper way to breathe for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I didn’t need the information then. I do now. Until recently,I smoked more than a pack of cigarettes a day, for 35 years. It caught up with me all of a sudden. I have COPD. I need you to repeat those recommendations again. Will you? — T.R.

ANSWER:Sure. (For readers: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD,is emphysema and chronic bronchitis.)

Pursed-lip breathing is one technique that helps. Draw your lips into the whistling position when you breathe out. The lips are in the right position if the outgoing air makes a hissing sound as it passes through them. Pursed-lip breathing keeps the airways opened so all stale air is emptied from the lungs. In people with COPD,on exhalation,the airways collapse. That leaves them partially filled with old air containing little oxygen. By getting all the oxygen-low air out of the lungs,fresh air fills them and a person isn’t shortchanged on oxygen.

Exhale slowly,twice the length of time it takes to inhale.

You have to train yourself to use your diaphragm to its maximum capacity.

The diaphragm is the horizontal muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. It’s the principal breathing muscle. When the diaphragm moves downward,air rushes into the lungs.

To make sure you’re using your diaphragm,lie on your back with your hands on your abdomen. Breathe normally. When you breathe in,your

hands should move out as the diaphragm descends. You have to consciously use the diaphragm with each inhalation until it becomes second nature for you.

Another trick that makes more room for air in the lungs is to bend a bit forward at the waist when you stand or walk.

The booklet on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease explains emphysema and chronic bronchitis in depth, and how they’re treated. To obtain a copy,write:Dr. Donohue — No. 601W,Box 536475,Orlando,FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

***

DEAR DR. DONOHUE:I worry about my daughter. She is on her own at age 25 and works a demanding job that requires lots of overtime. She seems to catch every illness that comes along. I think her immune system isn’t working. Can you suggest a food,supplement or vitamin that could build it up? — C.R.

ANSWER:The immune system is often referred to and often misunderstood. White blood cells are part of it. Some white cells attack incoming germs. Others make antibodies that coat germs and lead to their death. Lymph nodes,the spleen and the liver trap germs and inactivate them. These are some of the parts of the immune system.

I don’t know of a vitamin,a supplement or a food that bolsters the immune system unless the body has a specific vitamin deficiency. A wellbalanced diet,banal as that advice is, keeps immunity in top performance. Your daughter sounds like she could stand some rest. Constant stress weakens immunity.

***

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475,Orlando,FL 328536475.

It is our desire to never make mistakes, but occasionally they occur. The Community News Flash recognizes an ethical responsibility to promptly correct all factual errors, large and small. In the December 2022 story on pg 9 titled, Thomas Ratliff to pursue MBAdegree after December graduation the name Windom was listed instead of Ratliff in portions of the story. We are happy to set the record straight and apologize to the family for any hurt it may have caused.

Resolve to Protect YourFinances and YourFamily in the New Year

more likely to prioritize retirement savings (26% vs. 10%).

(StatePoint) After a holiday season spent racking up credit card bills, many Americans consider making financial resolutions in the New Year. However, now is the perfect time to not only reevaluate your saving and spending, but also commit to creating a more holistic financial plan designed to protect your finances and your family.

Consumers are seeking stability and preparedness in today’s uncertain economic environment, according to a recent Consumer Sentiment Tracker study by Lincoln Financial Group. With ongoing inflation and market volatility, 56% of respondents cited protection from risk as being most important to them. When it comes to thinking about their finances, people said they have the greatest interest in protecting their family (39%) followed by their income (26%).

“Our research reinforced the importance of financial solutions that can help consumers navigate through market cycles and protect their loved ones,” said David Berkowitz, president, Lincoln Financial Network, Lincoln Financial’s wealth management business.

“People are not only con-

cerned about having enough to pay their bills, but also saving for retirement and preparing for the unexpected. It’s important to have a well-rounded financial plan that can address those risks, protect assets and create positive outcomes for today’s families.”

To achieve a stronger financial future, don’t neglect your finances in 2023 — instead, add a little TLC (Talk, Learn, Commit). Resolve to create a robust financial plan using these three tips from Lincoln Financial:

1. Talk about it. Financial conversations play a crucial role. Be transparent with your loved ones about financial priorities so you can set expectations and work toward your shared financial goals. Initiate ongoing discussions to stay on track with everything from saving for retirement to paying for a long-term healthcare event, which can happen suddenly and be very costly. Also, consider talking to a financial professional who can help identify solutions that best meet your individual needs, as well as drive better outcomes. Lincoln’s research found those who work with financial professionals are

2. Learn more about taxdeferred investments. Life insurance can be more than just a death benefit, with some types of policies offering income replacement for unforeseen events. It can also protect your financial security from the impact of taxes, market volatility and longevity. It’s not just for individuals and families either, but businesses too. Also, consider diversifying your portfolio with an annuity, which can provide protected growth and monthly lifetime income to help cover expenses in retirement and ensure you have a stream of income.

3. Commit to maximizing your workplace benefits. Look into supplemental coverages like disability, accident and life insurance that may be available through your employer. Solutions like these protect against unexpected events that can disrupt your ability to provide for your family or drive you into additional debt. If you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, make sure you are contributing and getting a match, if offered. Tap into any financial wellness tools offered at work to help provide you with an accurate picture of your holistic financial situation and lower stress.

Visit www.lfg.com for more tools and resources.

With a robust plan, you can help ensure a solid financial future for you and your family.

(c) g-stockstudio / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Three! Two! One! HAPPYNEWYEAR! For some of us hearing these words brings music to our ears. For some of us, we want the excitement to continue. Many people set goals concerning their finances, health, relationships, you name it. You may know them as New Year's Resolutions. At the beginning of the year, people say, I am going on a social media detox. No Facebook! No Instagram! No Snapchat! Why do we set these goals or resolves? Most importantly why is that we do not maintain them?

Goal setting helps to be motivated, and the process helps with productivity, improving health, and relationships. We also set goals regarding our mental health. It is not about just setting the goals itself, but it is about a mindset change. An individual must acknowledge first that their needs to be changed. Anew year does not signify a new beginning. You can start now. Why is it that when we make these resolutions, we do not maintain them?

Studies show that it takes 21 days to form a habit. We often assume that the new year gives us a clean slate, but your new year and new you start in your mind. If you go to the gym now, you will see countless people get that "summer body." There are people there also who have made the gym a lifestyle and not a tem-

porary feeling. I am not saying that making resolutions is wrong. I just want to encourage you to make goals to make it a lifestyle change. Give yourself 21 days to gain consistency. If you miss one day at whatever your goal is, then start back immediately.

For example, if your goal is to eat better, and you eat a pizza for lunch. Don't just indulge for dinner. Decide to start over at that moment and do something light for dinner. There is no such thing as good food or bad food or good calories or bad calories. Your body digests carbs as carbs and sugar as sugar whether it is a piece of fruit or a piece of cake. It is all in the mindset. So, I want to encourage for 2023 to set goals, but don't just focus on maintaining a goal. If you shift your mind, then you will be able to maintain.

Advocates ForFreedom seeking volunteers to fight against human trafficking

any child found in a traumatic situation.

“This is important for the officers to build trust in the community and show that they are here to serve and protect,” Bullard said. “We speak to churches, small groups and civic clubs to raise awareness of human trafficking.”

The local volunteers operate a number of fund-raising efforts to provide for what the children need, she said. “We hold bake sales, roadblocks and write grants to help us. We have picked up victims in our vehicles to get them out of the pimp’s area to a ‘safe place.’We have paid for travel for some victims.”

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The Advocates for Freedom volunteers will tie blue ribbons around town to raise awareness. January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

The Crossroads regional volunteers have events scheduled at Mississippi State University this month as well as a yet-tobe-scheduled event at Delta State University to inform more people about the dangers of human trafficking.

Past events like “Walk for Blue” have been held in Corinth, Booneville, and West Point. “That is to support law enforcement and to support Advocates For Freedom,” Bullard said. “We would like to schedule more of these.”

Crossroads AFF stands ready to welcome volunteers to help in the fight against human trafficking. “We can use anyone’s talents in some way --designing fliers, writing, decorating for dinners, setting up items in our upscale, resale shop called Sweet Belongings@The Open [Market.”

Volunteers receive training and all that is required is the payment of $20 for a background check. Contact Bullard at 662665-2595 for more information about volunteering.

“I personally have been so blessed by meeting so many godly leaders, volunteers, and people who are willing to help those caught up in situations they do not know how to get out of,” Bullard said. “They are children and have no voice. We must be their voice and advocate for them.”

By Lucy Weber Retired

teacher Carol Bullard found her calling to fight against human trafficking when she was preparing a program for church years ago.

"I believe it was God’s call to me for what He wanted me to do after retiring as a school teacher for 32 years,” she said.

Bullard now volunteers as the area director for the Crossroads Region of the Gulf Coast-based Advocates for Freedom, a faith-based organization that is dedicated to ending the exploitation,sale and enslavement of men, women and children through human trafficking.

The Corinth resident became involved in 2012 when the Women’s Missionary Union at her church, East Corinth Baptist, asked her to present an informational program on the dangers of human trafficking.

“I began studying all I could find about human trafficking and learned so much,” Bullard said. "I found an article in Missions Mosaic, our missions’magazine about Susie Harvill, the founder of Advocates For Freedom. After reading it, I went to meet her, victims of human trafficking and rescuers, and then realized I needed to be involved.”

The organization provides resources,

education and training to bringing awareness about human trafficking.

“We have helped victims by hiring lawyers to free victims from people who were abusing them/selling them (pimps); counseling them; getting some back into schools; putting up billboards to let the public know of the problem and also letting the pimps know that we know about them,” Bullard said.

“We’ve provided food, rent and more to those victims needing them. Generally, we just help and encourage those we can to help them deal with the trauma they have had.”

Human trafficking is a huge issue facing Alcorn County and the other counties in Northeast Mississippi that Bullard’s Crossroads region covers.

“Mississippi may be the No. 1 state in the nation for human trafficking we’ve recently learned. Human trafficking has been called ‘the crime hidden in plain sight’because it goes on all around us. Most are just not aware of it,” Bullard said.

Volunteers with Advocates For Freedom provide blankets and stuffed animals to local law enforcement officers to carry in their squad cars so they can give them to

Dianne Lucken & Carol Bullard presenting stuffed animals/blankets to Officers of the Tupelo Police Dept.

How to Deepen Children’s Civic Engagement

zation or use one of Points of Light’s DIYproject guides, there are plenty of options for families of all ages and abilities. Consider projects that focus on issue areas that children can easily understand and get involved with, such as food insecurity, animal welfare and climate change.

Consider shopping at small local businesses or BIPOCor women-owned businesses. You can also find and support companies that give back – either with a percentage of proceeds or by working sustainably.

(StatePoint)

Increasingly, parents of young children are placing a larger focus on civic engagement and giving back. Not sure where to get started or how to strengthen your involvement?

The following actions

draw upon Points of Light’s Civic Circle, a framework that helps people understand the many facets of civic engagement and provides an opportunity to show children the variety of ways they can support causes they care about.

Combine these ideas to engage your whole family, strengthen your community and amplify your efforts:

1. Volunteer. Hands-on action is always an amazing way to get involved. Whether you find time to volunteer at a local organi-

2. Donate. Most organizations need financial support to continue their operations and deliver on their missions. Having a family fundraiser can be a great way to support an organization or cause. Whether you run a lemonade stand, plan a virtual fundraiser, sell friendship bracelets or do something else creative, activities like these help youth learn planning skills and the value of supporting organizations financially.

3. Purchase Power.

4. Listen and Learn. A critical element of civic engagement is listening to and learning from the community you hope to serve. Before taking action, learn about what’s really needed. If you can’t talk to those directly impacted, ask a local nonprofit organization if they have suggestions or more information. You can also read books, listen to podcasts or watch documentaries about the causes you wish to support.

5. Use Your Voice. Helping kids find their voice is important because they can use it to harness

their power in bringing awareness to important causes. Kids can share information by telling friends and family what they learned over a dinner, sharing a report at school, or providing information for others with an action item to take.

If you’re looking for tactical ideas, Points of Light’s website has familyfriendly toolkits for youth of all ages that incorporates some of these elements.

Visit www.pointsoflight.org to find a project that’s right for you.

Let your initial efforts be just a starting point. Taking action and understanding the impact of your work can lead to a lifetime of civic engagement and service.

(c) dragana991 / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Dr. MLK, Jr. Coloring Contest Page.

Please submit the coloring page and win $25. Contestants must 7- 10 years of age to enter the contest.

FLASH Kids Zone

Eggnog has been prepared and served during the holidays for hundreds of years. Upper-class Europeans served the drink to their holiday guests in the form of a hot milk punch combined with liquor, usually wine or brandy. The traditional recipe traveled from Europe to America with the English colonists during the 18th century. President George Washington was very fond of eggnog.

While dairy products were plentiful in America, wine and brandy were heavily taxed. Since rum, which was also called grog, was inexpensive, it became the traditional addition to eggnog. The name eggnog is thought to be a derivative of egg and grog.

While it was once believed that adding alcohol to eggnog inhibits or

Ring in the New YearWith Eggnog

destroys bacterial growth, including salmonella, there really is no scientific data to support this claim. One of the best ways to ensure the safety and quality of your eggnog is to cook the ingredients and to use the best eggs.

Eggland's Best has one of the most comprehensive and strict quality-assurance programs in the industry. Its state-of-the-art laboratory conducts more than 30,000 tests each year to ensure the superiority of the eggs it distributes. Using Eggland's Best Eggs also will make your eggnog more nutritious because they have 25 percent less saturated fat, 19 percent less cholesterol, three times more Omega 3, and 10 times more vitamin E than regular eggs. Now they contain even more vitamin A, B2, B12 and D, so Eggland's Best just got better!

Times have changed, and eggnog has conformed to modern tastes. You can find recipes for this holiday drink with and without alcohol, and commercially prepared recipes that

use skimmed, low-fat or soy milk.

There are even brands of eggnog especially for vegans and for those who are lactose intolerant. While the recipes for this delicious drink vary, it's still traditionally served during the winter as a way to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year.

EASYEGGNOG

This easy eggnog recipe cooks the eggs and milk in the microwave. You might want to make a double

batch and use any extra eggnog as a flavoring for baked goods or coffee. All microwave cooking times are based on a full power output of 600 to 700 watts. For a lower wattage oven, allow more cooking time.

6 Eggland's Best eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 quart milk

Garnishes or stir-ins, optional*

*Whipping cream, ground nutmeg, sherbet or ice cream, fruit juice, brandy or rum extract, peppermint sticks or candy canes, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, pomegranate seeds and juice, maraschino cherries or chocolate curls

1. In large microwave-safe bowl, beat together eggs, sugar and salt until thoroughly blended. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.

2. In a smaller microwave-safe

bowl, cook the milk in the microwave on high or full power, about 3 minutes. Stir and continue to cook on high power for another 3 minutes or until bubbles form at the edges of the milk.

3. Slowly stir 1/4 cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture. Stir vigorously until the ingredients are well combined to bring both mixtures up to the same temperature and to avoid scrambling the eggs. Continue to add the hot milk, 1/2 cup at a time, until all of it has been combined. Stir vigorously after each addition.

4. Return the mixture to the microwave and cook on high or full power for another 2 to 3 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, several hours or overnight. Just before serving, pour the eggnog into a punch bowl or a pitcher. Garnish or add stir-ins, if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 1 1/2 quarts, or 12 (1/2-cup) servings.

• Go Green Tip:Here’s a little-practiced fact in the life of today’s fashion: Many clothing items can be repaired. Do it right away,though,so the item can go back into the usable clothing circulation. The longer it sits,the greater the odds of it being replaced instead,making the original, repairable item just another piece of clutter.

• “Use the clothes-detergent cap (to measure detergent),then wash it in the very same load. The cap will stay nice and clean — no liquid soap everywhere.”— Mrs. B.,via e-mail

• “If you have a noisy bed after you purchased a new mattress and box springs (it never was noisy before),it might be your bed rails. Cover them with carpet. We nailed ours on all over,which was easy,and the noise stopped. Our box spring apparently was not made very well at the bottom. This really works.”— C.F. in Indiana

• “Save the zippered plastic bags that bedding and curtains come in to store or organize items. My young children often need a clean change of clothes when we are on the go. I pack complete extra outfits (including underwear and socks) for them in the small bags. They work perfectly. The bags are sturdy and reusable for years. I keep these packages tucked away in the car or in their school backpacks, and I send one to the sitter. I also keep one in the car filled with socks for those summer days when they are wearing sandals and we decide to go to an indoor play place.”— A.S.,via e-mail

• If you receive a set of scented soaps for the holidays,you can get a longer use out of them as drawer scents before you use them as soap. Tuck each one into a cloth wrapper and stick it in a drawer. When the scent starts to wear out,use the soap.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475,Orlando,FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com.

By Samantha Weaver

• It was 19th-century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer who made the following sage observation:“If we were not all so interested in ourselves,life would be so uninteresting that none of us would be able to endure it.”

• Emmy-nominated actress Debbie Reynolds was fired by Warner Brothers after her first movie.

• Sharks inspire a great deal of fear in most people. However,the keepers of statistics claim that you are much more likely to be killed by a bee than you are to be killed by a shark — 50 times more likely,in fact.

• Growers of coffee beans say that the coffee blossom smells like jasmine.

• When a seal goes to sleep,whether in the sea or on land,it stops breathing. Every 15 minutes or so it will wake up to take a breath,then it will go back to sleep.

• When it comes to irrigated crops in the United States,you might be surprised to learn that the plant that covers the most acreage isn’t corn,wheat or soybeans; it’s grass. Think about that the next time you’re watering your lawn.

• There’s an interesting story behind the name of the Caribbean island of Curacao. It seems that explorer Amerigo Vespucci had several sailors on his ship who were very seriously ill with scurvy,so he dropped them off on the island,assuming they would die. However,the abandoned sailors feasted on fresh fruit,thereby ingesting the vitamin C that cured the disease and saved their lives. The word “curacao”means “cure”in Portuguese.

• Here’s a disturbing fact for all the arachnophobes reading this:There are more than 34,000 different species of spider.

***

Thought for the Day: “So long as men worship the Caesars and Napoleons,Caesars and Napoleons will duly rise and make them miserable.”— Aldous Huxley

How To Choose the Best Weight Loss Plan forYour2023 Goals

helps with satiety, so it’s important to include some in each meal and snack. Look for plans with high-protein options, like Nutrisystem’s new premium meals, which include up to 30 grams in each meal and keep you full for up to five hours.

Look for Value: As prices continue to rise at grocery stores nationwide, many people are struggling to find affordable options that can help them eat healthier and lose weight. However, those options do exist. Look for plans that are cost-effective and deliver the majority of meals right to your door.

(StatePoint) It’s that time of year again when many Americans make the resolution to lose weight and start a healthier routine. This year in particular, with the pandemic largely behind us, many Americans will once again focus on their health.

In fact, 64% of Americans are motivated to lose weight because they know it has an impact on their immunity, according to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 30 and above. And 61% also now realize that a healthy diet and lifestyle can better protect their long-term health.

So what should you look for when it comes to a weight loss plan? Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem, offers these tips to help you choose a program that’s right for you.

Keep it Simple: Let’s face it, in our crazy busy world, we have to make hundreds of decisions a day, often at lightning speed. You shouldn’t have to worry about counting points or measuring foods. Look for a plan that’s easy and convenient, and does the work for you.

Focus on Protein: Protein is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and a key to weight loss. Protein

Don’t Give Up Your Favorite Meals: Look for a plan that lets you eat your favorite foods. Losing weight doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you love. Weight loss plans like Nutrisystem offer comfort foods made healthier that are perfectly portioned so you can enjoy them without any guilt. Plus, the plan also offers dessert for those who have a sweet tooth.

Seek Support: Achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself is so much easier when you have a support system. The best people to have on your team when you’re trying to lose excess weight are those who sit down at daily meals with you. Even better, your chances of reaching and maintaining your weight loss goal increase dramatically if another person in your household joins you on the journey. Look for plans that offer options for both you and your partner to get healthier together.

For more great information and other ideas to help fuel your success this year, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Remember, your weight loss goals will be more than achievable this year if you follow the right plan for you. Look for a program designed to help you succeed.

Bacon Alfredo Bake

Alfredo doesn’t have to be one of those foods that you avoid just because you think it’s loaded with fat and calories. This light,creamy dish has all the satisfying flavor and a whole lot fewer calories and fat.

2 cups cooked rotini pasta, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen peas,thawed 3/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup Oscar Mayer or Hormel Real Bacon Bits

1 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk Powder

1 cup water

2 eggs,beaten,or equivalent in egg substitute

1/2 cup Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan Style Grated Topping

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8-by-12-inch baking dish with butterflavored cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl,combine rotini pasta,peas,onion and bacon bits. In a small bowl,combine dry milk powder and water. Stir in eggs,Parmesan cheese and parsley flakes. Add milk mixture to pasta mixture. Mix gently to combine.

3. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 5 minutes. Place baking dish on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Divide into 6 servings.

HINT:Usually 1 1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta cooks to about 2 cups.

• Each serving equals:193 calories, 5g fat,13g protein,24g carbs,557mg sodium,236mg calcium,2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges:1 Starch,1 Protein,1/2 Fat-Free Milk,1/2 Fat; Carb Choices:1 1/2.

Smoked Ham with Fresh Strawberry Sauce

We created this impressive glazed ham for winter entertaining,bit it’s perfect for a buffet any time of year.

1 (12-pound) smoked whole ham,fully cooked

3 pints strawberries

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 jar (10- to 12-ounce) orange marmalade

Radish sprouts or watercress sprigs,for garnish

1. Remove skin and trim some fat from smoked whole ham,leaving about 1/4 inch fat. With knife,score fat covering on ham crosswise,just through to the meat,into 1-inch-wide strips. Place ham on rack in large roasting pan (about 17 inches by 11 1/2 inches). Insert meat thermometer into center of ham,being careful that pointed end does not touch bone. Bake ham in 325 F oven 3 to 3 1/2 hours until thermometer reaches 140 F (15 to 18 minutes per pound). If ham browns too quickly,cover with a tent of foil.

2. About 30 minutes before ham is done,prepare strawberry sauce: Reserve 1 pint strawberries for garnish. Hull remaining strawberries. In 3-quart saucepan with potato masher or back of slotted spoon,mash strawberries. Stir in brown sugar,cornstarch,salt,and orange marmalade; cook over medium heat until mixture thickens slightly and boils,stirring frequently.

3. To serve,place ham on warm, large platter. Arrange radish sprouts and reserved whole strawberries around ham. Serve with strawberry sauce. Serves 24.

• Each serving:About 250 calories, 12g total fat,60mg cholesterol, 1,770mg sodium.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes,visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipe finder/.

1. GEOGRAPHY:In what country is Stonehenge located?

2. BIBLE:What is the fifth book of the Pentateuch in the Old Testament?

3. ART:The artist Gustave Courbet was associated with which art movement in the 19th century?

4. ANATOMY:What causes a hiccup?

5. POLITICS:Plaid Cymru is the name of what group?

6. LITERATURE:Who wrote the novel “The Russia House”?

7. MUSIC:What rock group had a 1978 hit with the tune “Please Come Home for Christmas”?

8. MOVIES:What animated movie was promoted as “the greatest fairy tale never told”?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: When was the Lincoln Memorial dedicated?

10. SCIENCE:What is an astronomical unit?

Answers 1. England 2. Deuteronomy 3. Realism

4. Involuntary contraction of the diaphragm

5. The Party of Wales 6. John Le Carré

7. Eagles 8. “Shrek”

9. 1922

10. The mean distance between Earth and the Sun

1. Name the only National League team to win two World Series since 1983.

2. Which was the last major-league team to lose the World Series one year and win it the next?

3. In 2008,New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees fell just short of Dan Marino’s single-season mark of 5,084 passing yards,with 5,069. Whom did Brees replace as No. 2 on the all-time list?

4. How many consecutive years has the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team made the NCAA Tournament?

5. Who was the first European defenseman to tally 1,000 points in the NHL?

6. Entering 2010,how many consecutive World Cups had the U.S. men’s soccer team played in?

7. Whom did Muhammad Ali beat to become the first three-time heavyweight boxing champion?

Answers

1. The Florida Marlins (1997,2003).

2. The Oakland A’s in 1988-1989.

3. Kurt Warner had 4,830 passing yards for St. Louis in 2001.

4. Eleven consecutive years.

5. Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom in 2009.

6. Five,beginning in 1990.

7. Leon Spinks,in 1978.

Dan Marino’s Tips to Keep Health Goals on Track During Football

HEALTHYLIVING 5 Tips to Jump Start Your Weight Loss Post-Pandemic

(StatePoint) The kickoff to football season is here again, and with it comes pizza, beer, wings and more.

In a poll of 2,000 American men conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Nutrisystem, 37% said they usually gain weight during football season from September to January, with 53% claiming they gain 10 pounds or more.

But football season doesn’t need to wreak havoc on your overall health, wellness and weight loss goals. Just ask pro football Hall-of-Fame quarterback, Dan Marino.

“After playing pro football for 17 years, my knees took a beating and I had to have both of them replaced. Couple that with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I couldn’t exercise or do the things I wanted to stay active, so I put on some weight,” says Marino. “I knew I needed to make a change, turned to Nutrisystem and lost 26 pounds.”

To help football fans stay on track this season, Marino is sharing his best tips to lose weight and get healthier.

1. Make a Commitment: It all starts with a commitment. You make a commitment to yourself to get healthier and then you find a game plan to do it. When you see results, you’re motivated to keep going to reach your goal.

2. Keep it Simple: Men, especially, need things to be simple. If your goal is to lose weight, look for programs like Nutrisystem that are easy, take the guess-

work out of dieting and deliver your favorite foods made healthier right to your door. Plus, they have great game day foods like popcorn, pizza and burgers to ensure you’re making good choices.

3. Seek Support: Studies show that individuals lose up to 20% more weight when dieting with a partner. Find that teammate who will help motivate you to stick with your wellness goals.

4. Focus on Protein: Protein keeps your hunger in check and will keep you from grabbing those not-so-good for you game day foods. Aim to get your protein from foods like meat and fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and nut butters. For an afternoon snack, I always grab a Nutrisystem shake, which is packed with protein to keep me full until dinner.

5. Get Moving: Get up and off the couch! Call up your friends and organize a game of football or shoot some hoops. I love to hit the golf course and I often walk instead of grabbing a cart. This way, I’m getting in extra exercise.

For more great tips to feel your best this football season and beyond, visit Nutrisystem’s blog at leaf.nutrisystem.com.

The most important thing to remember is keeping up with your health and wellness doesn’t need to be hard. It’s all about balance. If you find yourself overindulging as you’re watching the game, that’s okay. Commit to getting back on track the next day.

(StatePoint) With the New Year right around the corner, new survey results suggest that 2023 will finally be the year that Americans bring their health back into focus.

According to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 30 and above commissioned by Nutrisystem and conducted by OnePoll, two in three Americans credit the past two years with teaching them how important their health really is. And 71% believe the pandemic has taught them to be more observant of their health. The poll also revealed that two-thirds of Americans said weight loss is a “top health goal” for them over the next year.

However, for many, losing weight can seem like a difficult task. The truth of the matter is it doesn’t have to be. Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem, offers the following tips to help you take that step toward a healthier you.

1. Keep healthy food in sight

Having healthy food at arm’s reach can make losing weight easier. ACornell study found that women who kept a bowl of fruit where they could see it weighed an average of 13 pounds less than those who didn’t. Plans like Nutrisystem deliver healthy, portion-controlled options right to your door, making it even simpler to make good choices.

2. Give yourself a bedtime Children aren’t the only ones who need a bedtime! Adults need a set bedtime as well to be productive the next day. Setting a certain bedtime and sticking to it will

also help your body get the rest that it needs to burn stubborn fat. “Not having a good night’s rest can lead to craving sugar and fatty foods, which can also lead to weight gain,” says McCormick.

3. Work out in 10-minute sets

If you’re short on time or have back-toback meetings, working out in intervals of 10 minutes three times a day creates more flexibility in your busy schedule. Doing this creates long-term healthy habits that will help you lose and maintain weight.

4.

Drink more water

What’s not to love about water? It’s hydrating and keeps your body healthy. Water aids digestive health, regulates body temperature and even aids in losing weight and maintaining the weight loss. This is because water helps you stay full between meals and avoid unnecessary snacking. In fact, feeling hungry is often a sign that you’re actually thirsty and it’s time to get hydrated.

5.

Forgive a slip-up

Mistakes can actually help you understand what is healthy for your body. Having a slip-up allows you to consider the progress you’re making in your weight loss journey and be able to hold yourself accountable when making future healthy decisions.

For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem’s The Leaf, at leaf.nutrisystem.com.

There is no better time than now to focus on your overall health and wellness goals. When you are geared with the tools to succeed, living a healthier lifestyle is easily achievable.

Women

Owners are Optimistic About the Future

itability and the supply chain, they believe they’re prepared for these challenges. Although similar portions of WBOs and MBOs experienced supply chain issues in the past year, 79% of WBOs believe they have the right amount of inventory they need to succeed.

(StatePoint) Even as they ride out inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, women owners and executives of small and mid-size majoritywomen-owned businesses have an optimistic outlook about the near-term future of their businesses, according to a recent survey.

The PNC Bank survey found that women business owner (WBO) expectations for their own companies remain strong, with 41% feeling highly optimistic -- up from 29% in the fall of 2020 but down from 67% in the fall of 2021 -- while the share of those feeling pessimistic has held constant at just 1%.

The survey also indicated that more than eight in 10 women business owners are very confident about their future success and nearly half say it comes from their own hard work and drive.

Similarly, 79% of WBOs are very satisfied with their role as a business owner or leader compared to 67% of men business owners (MBOs).

“We are seeing a new pattern of self-empowerment among women business owners that is very encouraging,” said Beth Marcello, director of PNC Women’s Business Development. “Their own hard work to survive the pan-

demic is the source of their confidence and optimism today.”

The survey suggests that women have a take charge, can-do attitude. When it was difficult to find employees, 49% of WBOs versus onethird of MBOs say that they or their managers stepped in to cover open staff hours themselves. Additionally, they’re focused on growth: 81% surveyed are Woman Business Enterprise-certified, 73% market their certification, and 88% say that certification has been a helpful business development tool.

“For the first time, we have evidence of increased financial confidence among women business owners. They are two times more likely than men to say they’re considering a new loan or line of credit to support business growth,” said Marcello. “They are monitoring their cash position and have a cash reserve, but they’re investing excess cash rather than stockpiling it; they are continuing to leverage the increased efficiency of the digital financial tools they migrated to during the pandemic; and they are confidently increasing pricing as the economy allows for it.”

Meeting the Challenges

While WBOs have concerns about inflation, prof-

WBOs also intend to maintain or expand on policies they initiated during the pandemic, including allowing flexible work arrangements (48%), increasing compensation (38%) and implementing employee health or safety enhancements (33%). WBOs are more likely than MBOs to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility policies or practices, including gender pay equity (34% vs. 9%) and diversity and inclusion (29% vs. 14%). These disparities could be an indication of why fewer WBOs (30%) than MBOs (43%) are finding it harder to hire new staff compared to six months ago.

Identifying and addressing challenges faced by women financial decision makers is a component of PNC’s Project 257: Accelerating Women’s Financial Equality, an initiative to help close the 257-year economic gender gap. More information about these efforts as well as helpful resources for women financial decision makers can be found at pnc.com/women. To connect with Project 257, follow PNC on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

While the pandemic created new economic challenges, many with lasting effects, women business owners largely overcame these obstacles, taking away lessons that have inspired their optimism and confidence today.

(c) nortonrsx / iStock via Getty Images Plus